Salutations:

• Hon Adisu Arega, Minister of Agriculture of the federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia of Agriculture
• H.E Moses Vilakati., Commissioner for Agriculture, rural development blue Economy and Sustainable Environment
• Hon Ministers
• Excellencies Members of the PRC
• Representatives of the Regional Economic Communities and Mechanism
• Members of the diplomatic Coop
• Country Representative of the World Bank,
• Development Partners
• Members of the Private Sector and Academia,
• Esteemed Farmers and Innovators,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my distinct honour to welcome you to the inaugural African Union Conference on Digital Agriculture a landmark event that reflects Africa’s determination to harness technology for agricultural transformation and sustainable development.
This year’s theme “Shaping Agricultural Policy for Africa’s Future: Digital Innovations, Climate-Smart Practices for Agri-Food System Transformation”—captures the essence of our mission. It reminds us that policy is the foundation, innovation is the engine, and digital tools are the accelerators for building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across Africa.
Agriculture is the lifeblood of our continent. It sustains over 60 percent of our population, contributes significantly to national economies, and remains central to Africa’s development agenda. Yet, despite its importance, agriculture faces persistent challenges such as Climate change and environmental degradation affecting agricultural production, Limited access to finance, markets, and inputs especially for the Youth and the Women, Post-harvest losses and inefficiencies significantly affecting the food system and the urgent need to attract and retain youth in agriculture

Digital agriculture offers a transformative pathway. It is no longer a choice it is a necessity for Africa’s survival and prosperity. Through innovation, we can unlock productivity, strengthen resilience, and create inclusive opportunities for farmers, women, and youth.

Your Excellencies distinguished guest ladies and Gentlemen

The African Union has placed digitalization at the heart of its development agenda. The Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030) provides a continental framework to:
• Build inclusive digital economies
• Expand connectivity and digital infrastructure
• Promote data governance and cybersecurity
• Foster innovation ecosystems across all sectors
Agriculture is a priority sector under this strategy because digital tools can revolutionize value chains, improve market access, and enhance climate resilience. This conference operationalizes that vision by focusing on practical solutions for farmers and agribusinesses.

Our efforts are also anchored in the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024), which positions STI as a driver for socio-economic transformation. Under STISA, agriculture is a key priority area, with emphasis on:
• Precision farming using satellite data and sensors
• Climate-smart technologies for adaptation and mitigation
• Digital platforms for extension services and financial inclusion
By integrating STI into agriculture, we aim to move from subsistence to knowledge-driven farming systems.

Your Excellencies distinguished guest ladies and Gentlemen

The African Union Commission is committed to:
• Supporting Member States to develop enabling policies for digital agriculture and data governance
• Training farmers, extension workers, and youth in digital skills
• Advocating for investment in broadband connectivity and digital public goods
• Mobilizing resources and partnerships to scale home-grown solutions
• Harmonizing standards and regulations to create a unified digital agriculture market
No single government or institution can achieve this transformation alone. Digital agriculture thrives through collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines.
We call on African governments, development partners, private sector actors, and research institutions to join forces, so Africa not only adopts digital agriculture but leads in shaping its future.

Your Excellencies distinguished guest ladies and Gentlemen
In Conclusion as we open this conference, let us commit to bold action. Let us ensure that digital agriculture becomes a lived reality for farmers, agribusinesses, and communities across Africa. The African Union stands ready to work with all stakeholders to make this vision a reality.
It is now my privilege to officially declare the inaugural African Union Conference on Digital Agriculture open.
I thank you.